President Droupadi Murmu to observe ancestral rites at sacred sites in Jajpur and Puri

President Droupadi Murmu will perform Pinda Daan, an important ancestral ritual in Hindu tradition, at two sacred sites in Odisha, Nabhi Gaya in Jajpur and Swetaganga in Puri, as part of her ongoing visit to the state.

According to the schedule, the President will perform the ritual at Nabhi Gaya on Tuesday, followed by the observance at Swetaganga in Puri on Wednesday. The rites will be conducted in memory of her ancestors, in accordance with established religious traditions.

Pinda Daan holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism and is performed to offer peace and spiritual liberation to departed ancestors. It is believed that the ritual helps the soul transition from preta lok to pitru lok and ultimately attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Nabhi Gaya, located near the Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur, is regarded as an important Pitru Tirtha and is considered comparable in significance to Gaya in Bihar. Devotees believe that performing Pinda Daan at this site brings peace and liberation to ancestral souls, particularly during Pitru Paksha, when the shrine witnesses a large influx of pilgrims.

Gyana Ranjan Pati, a servitor of the temple, said the President will offer pinda to her forefathers at Nabhi Gaya and seek their blessings. “After the offering, as per ritual, she will worship at the site and then proceed to offer prayers to Goddess Biraja. A specific time has been fixed for the ceremonies,” he said.

The President will also perform Pinda Daan at Swetaganga, located in the Balisahi area on the western side of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri. Swetaganga is one of the Pancha Tirtha of the sacred town and is closely associated with ancestral rites, including Pinda Daan and Asthi Visarjan.

Sudhir Patri, a servitor of Sabat Nijog, said devotees traditionally offer pinda and perform asthi visarjan at Swetaganga to pray for the moksha of their ancestors. Religious scriptures, including references in the Mahabharata, describe Swetaganga as a sacred water body connected to the River Ganga. As part of Jagannath Dham, rituals performed at the site are believed to receive the direct grace of Lord Jagannath.

Also Read: President Murmu offers prayers at Maa Biraja temple in Jajpur during Odisha visit

When is Pinda Daan performed? 

Traditionally, Pinda Daan is performed during final rites following death, on death anniversaries (shraddha), during Pitru Paksha, and on certain auspicious occasions such as Magha Purnima, Diwali, and other spiritually significant days.